Concerning
the age of entry to compulsory education in the U.S., it varies, according
to the state, between 5 and 7 years of age, 6 being the most common; the
age of exit varies between 16 and 18 years of age, the most common being
16. Secondary education in the U.S. occurs in grades 7-12, depending upon
the laws and policies of states and local school districts. There is no
national structure, curriculum or governing law; all laws and policies are
set and enforced by the 50 state governments and the over 14,000 local school
districts. All states and school districts have set the secondary school
graduation level as the completion of 12th grade, and the common name for
the secondary graduation qualification is the High School Diploma. This
diploma name covers a variety of awards for different curricula and standards.
There are Honors/Regents, academic/college preparatory, vocational, and
general/basic high school diploma tracks. There is a statewide minimum course
requirement and other graduation requirements in each State which usually
corresponds to the general/basic track. Vocational and academic/college
preparatory or honors/Regents diplomas usually have additional set curricular
requirements and/or standards which aspiring graduates must meet or exceed.
In addition, the majority of US secondary school districts and private schools
permit students to participate in the Advanced Placement (AP) programme
of the College Board. This programme allows qualified students to take college
level introductory courses in selected subjects taught by certified faculty.
Examinations are offered in each AP subject at the end of an academic year;
a score of 3 or higher generally results in universities awarding advanced
standing in that subject - exempting the student from distribution requirements.
A growing number of secondary schools also offer the International Baccalaureate
(IB) as an optional track; completion of IB requirements usually requires
an additional summer or semester of study beyond the 12th year. The title
"High School Diploma" remains the most commonly recognized name for the
U.S. secondary school leaving diploma. Contents of the curriculum leading
to this diploma are contained in the record of studies leading to it and
grades (marks) obtained, called a High or Secondary School Transcript.
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